Northwoods Battalion History

Army ROTC at the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point was established in 1968 under the leadership of Lieutenant Colonel Jack E. Mowery, the first Professor of Military Science. In the summer of 1968, the university sent 14 students to the ROTC Basic Camp at Fort Benning, Georgia, and entered them into the program as juniors upon their return. Additionally, the Point Battalion enrolled 250 freshmen students for its first semester that same year. This was 26% of the UWSP incoming freshmen class, well over the national average of 10%.

Women were not allowed to participate as cadets in the early years. They first entered the ranks of the Point Battalion in 1974. Today, females account for 20% of the program.

In 2005, the ranks of the Northwoods Battalion grew with the establishment of an ROTC partnership program at the University of Wisconsin-Stout. Students enroll in our leadership courses as electives in pursuit of a degree of their choice. Students completing the rigorous program achieve the ultimate goal of serving our nation as an Army officer. The Northwoods Battalion currently trains approximately 140 cadets annually across all academic levels.

The Northwoods Battalion produces an average of 12 lieutenants annually culminating with both winter and spring commissioning ceremonies. The Northwoods Battalion is known for its first-rate leader development program and has furnished some of the finest Lieutenants to local National Guard and Army Reserve units as well as to the Active Army. We continue that tradition today.